BGS GeoSure: compressible ground — property hazard information

If compressible ground appears to be a problem on or near your property, inform your insurance company, mortgage lender or landlord. Get specialist advice from a suitably qualified expert such as a structural surveyor, geotechnical engineer or chartered engineering geologist.

If active compression is not happening, but the ground has a potential for compressibility being present, this should be measured and taken into account before designing new buildings or changes to land use:

take specialist advice before starting major building work

ensure the foundations of new constructions or extensions are designed for the compressible ground conditions that are present

New build — Consider possibility of settlement during construction due to compressible deposits. Unlikely to be increase in construction costs due to potential compressibility problems.

Existing property — No significant increase in insurance risk due to compressibility problems.

D

Significant potential for compressibility problems.

Avoid large differential loadings of ground. Do not drain or dewater ground near the property without technical advice.

New build — Assess the variability and bearing capacity of the ground. May need special foundations to avoid excessive settlement during and after construction. Consider effects of groundwater changes. Extra construction costs are likely.

Existing property — Possible increase in insurance risk from compressibility if lowered groundwater levels drop due to drought or dewatering.

E

Very significant potential for compressibility problems.

Avoid large differential loadings of ground. Do not drain or dewater ground near the property without technical advice.

New build — Assess the variability and bearing capacity of the ground. Probably needs special foundations to avoid excessive settlement during and after construction. Consider effects of groundwater changes. Construction may not be possible at economic cost.

Existing property — Probable increase in insurance risk from compressibility due to due to drought or dewatering unless appropriate foundations are present.